Colorado AAPI Circle Fund

The Colorado AAPI Circle Fund, administered by The Denver Foundation, supports organizations serving Asian, Asian-American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities in Colorado. Established in 2021, the Circle’s mission is to elevate these communities by increasing resources, amplifying voices, and fostering civic engagement. The fund was created to address a gap in the philanthropic and foundation ecosystem in Colorado by investing in AAPI-focused initiatives and expanding civic opportunities for AANHPI individuals statewide. The Colorado AAPI Circle also commissioned the Colorado Lotus Project, a statewide needs assessment designed to connect AANHPI communities with necessary philanthropic support for the long term. The purpose of the grant is to provide financial resources to qualified nonprofit organizations whose work aligns with the mission of uplifting Colorado’s AAPI communities, particularly those most in need. Grants may support activities that increase community resources, enhance advocacy and representation, or promote civic involvement. Funding can be used for programs, projects, or initiatives that directly benefit AANHPI populations in Colorado, as long as they are consistent with the fund’s goals. To be eligible, applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or have a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor. They must serve, support, and address the needs of Asian, Asian-American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities within Colorado. Alignment with the Circle’s mission is essential, and while previous recipients may apply, past awards do not guarantee future funding. Organizations should be prepared to demonstrate how their work advances the stated objectives of increasing resources, lifting voices, and growing civic engagement among AANHPI communities. The application process requires registering with The Denver Foundation’s grant application portal prior to submission. Applicants should review the foundation’s grant FAQs for guidance before beginning their application. Questions about the process can be directed to coaapicircle@gmail.com. All applications must be submitted online by the published deadline, and incomplete or late submissions will not be considered. The funding range for awards typically falls between $1,000 and $4,000. While the total program funding and expected number of awards are not specified, applicants should request an amount that is reasonable and justified by their proposed activities. Matching funds are not required for this opportunity, and there are no stated geographic restrictions within Colorado beyond the requirement that the applicant serves AANHPI communities. For the current funding cycle, applications open on August 1, 2025, and close on September 15, 2025. This is a recurring grant opportunity, though the specific timing of future cycles will depend on the funder’s annual schedule. The Denver Foundation’s main office is located at 1009 Grant Street, Denver, CO 80203, and they can be reached at 303-300-1790 or information@denverfoundation.org. Direct inquiries related to the Colorado AAPI Circle Fund should be sent to coaapicircle@gmail.com.